Nearly 13 years ago, I adopted a puppy named Abby. As our lives evolved, Abby welcomed Megan, our two boys, another dog or two, and a cat. She was a gentle giant who even went to the beach with us the past few years. She was a darned good dog.

But there comes a time when the health of our beloved pets declines, and we face tough decisions. A few weeks ago, that time came for Abby. She needed to be freed of her pain.

Our incredibly compassionate veterinarian wrote a nice note in the card we received last week, with paw prints and a snipping of Abby’s fur. The note reminded us of the humane decision we made and included the quote, “Heaven would not heaven be, without my pets to welcome me.” I do wonder who cleans up after them up there, but I’m in no hurry to find out.

I think one of the toughest parts of dealing with the loss of Abby, was explaining all of this to our young boys. They understand as best we can expect. As we continue to adjust to life post-Abby, our experience reinforces something so absolutely vital about estate planning.

As pets can’t write their final healthcare wishes for us, we represent them as best we can. As adults we can, rather must, write out our final healthcare wishes. It isn’t just something to do. It is a responsibility that can relieve some of the decision-making burden for others in a highly emotional situation.

Ryan Fox(Photo: Submitted)

In Pennsylvania this is called a living will. It is a written document that outlines the kind of life-sustaining treatments we may or may not want if we are unable to communicate to medical professionals. This living will is separate from a last will and testament, which instructs survivors about what to do with our property after death.

Anyone who is 18 or older should have a living will in place. The living will takes effect under situations such as when the doctor has found you unable to make medical decisions or in coordination with other medical staff, a person is in a terminal condition and in a state of permanent unconsciousness.

The person responsible for following the living will is often the person named as power of attorney for healthcare. They should be aware of this in advance so provisions of the living will can be discussed while in good health, as another way to help alleviate the emotions of implementing it.

The fear of “what if I change my mind” isn’t a valid reason to postpone having your living will and all estate documents drafted by your local attorney. The living will can evolve with medical innovations. But with no groundwork in place, there might be children or close relatives left guessing what you do or don’t want if you are in a dire medical state. It is a burden that the living will, a simple document, takes off the table.

The living will and all of its details are highly personal and among the top priorities that need to be completed with any basic estate planning.

There are even a few websites where you can do a no-cost living will. Next time you are at your doctor’s office, ask if a living will is an item of need or a want. I’ll bet a nickel you’ll find that it is a top priority need for all of us.

I have no doubt that the humane and compassionate decision we made for Abby was the right thing to do. For estate planning, having a valid living will is the compassionate and responsible thing to do for those empowered to make end-stage medical decisions, so they can act with the courage and comfort of knowing it is what someone truly wants.

Ryan Fox, Huston-Fox Financial Advisory partner, in Gettysburg and Hanover, can be reached at 717-398-2040 or Ryan@hustonfox.com.